Examples

Follow the steps in each example to determine whether the indefinite pronouns in each sentence take singular or plural pronouns.

1. All the members of the team were playing at (its/their) worst on Friday.

   Step 1. The indefinite pronoun all does not contain an explicit reference to number.
   Step 2. All is an ambiguous indefinite pronoun. In this case, it refers to several members of the team, so it needs a plural pronoun: their worst.

2. Everyone in the crowd booed heartily, expressing (his or her/their) disapproval.

   Step 1. The indefinite pronoun everyone contains an explicit reference to one person, so it takes a singular pronoun: his or her disapproval.

3. Each reporter called (his or her/their editor) with the bad news.

   Step 1. The indefinite pronoun each contains an explicit reference to one person, so it takes a singular pronoun: his or her editor.

4. Everybody watching from the bullpen hung (his head/their heads) in shame.

   Step 1. The indefinite pronoun everybody contains an explicit reference to one person, so it takes a singular pronoun: his head.

5. Either the manager or the assistant manager will lose (his/their job) after that game.

   Step 1. The indefinite pronoun either does not contain an explicit reference to number.
   Step 2. Either is an ambiguous indefinite pronoun. In this case, it refers to one person, so it needs a singular pronoun: his job.